‘You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.’
– Maya Angelou
One day there was an earthquake that shook the entire Zen temple. Parts of it even collapsed. Many of the monks were terrified.
When the earthquake stopped the teacher said, “Now you have had the opportunity to see how a Zen man behaves in a crisis situation. You may have noticed that I did not panic. I was quite aware of what was happening and what to do.
I led you all to the kitchen, the strongest part of the temple. It was a good decision, because you see we have all survived without any injuries.
However, despite my self-control and composure, I did feel a little bit tense – which you may have deduced from the fact that I drank a large glass of water, something I never do under ordinary circumstances.”One of the monks smiled, but didn’t say anything.
“What are you laughing at?” asked the teacher. “That wasn’t water,” the monk replied, “it was a large glass of vinegar.”
‘May your Christmas be calm, peaceful, and joyful and even if it is not, may you remain calm, peaceful and joyful! 😉
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for being here.’ 🎁🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Thank you for this post, Karen! Hubby and friend went fishing on a jet ski on 17th morning and they were stranded in the sea cos jet ski broke down. Long story short, they were rescued by a marine ship yesterday afternoon after being stranded for 24 hours. And he got home last night at 11pm. Thank God for His grace and mercy. Wishing you and yours a calm and peaceful Christmas! Cheers, Pat 💫🎄 ☃️🫶🏻💫
Oh wow Pat that story is a great example of how quickly our life can change!
I’m so glad they are okay and are safely home again. Wishing you a wonderful christmas too. 🎁🎄🎁 💫
Thanks much, Karen!
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Wishing the same to you and your family Karen😊
Thank you Ashley! I look forward to reading everyone’s blogs in 2025. 🎄🎁🎄
And thank you for sharing the love you have become Karen, because of life’s many earthquakes. Big hugs and thank you for a delightful year. Merry Christmas kind lady and a Happy New Year, I look forward to the next 🤗🥰🦋🎄🎅🎶🎁🕊️🦌☃️❤️🙏
Thank you Mark and Merry Christmas to you and your family, thanks for coming along for the journey. See you in the New Year 🎁🎄🎁🎄
Wishing you a blessed Christmas, Karen! 💖
Thank you Eliza. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁🎄💞
Wishing you and your family a lovely holiday and a new year full of love, blessings and so much joy. 💜🙏🏻
Thank you Carrie and to you and your family 💞💞🎁🎄
Very lovely, Karen. Have a beautiful Christmas.
Thank you Michele. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄🎁🥰
Wishing you the blessings of a calm and peaceful Christmas. Your parable was a nice bit of funny and some lightness of heart for me! I appreciate that; thanks, Karen! Sending love! Grateful to be able to read your writing here.
Thank you Ka. 🥰
We all need some lightness and laughing this time of year. Grateful for your presence here and on your blog too. Many blessings this Christmas to you and as we move into the expansion of 2025 ☘️💞☘️🎄🎁🎄💞
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So true Karen,
When I coached Girls H.S. Volleyball when asked about the characters of the players on my teams. I replied whatever their true character is it will come forward on the court. Even in all the preparation put into readying the players, the unpredictable will happen in the course of competition. And in those moments, is when we learn the truth of who we are.
The best we can do in the uncontrollable circumstances is to turn to the only control we have left. And that is how we react to those circumstances.
That’s where faith comes in.
-Alan
You have offered such a great example of this zen story Alan. We are all responsible to learn this truth. Thank you 🙏🏻🌿☺️
When the fire approaches, when the cliff crumbles, is when we find out who we really are.
Wishing you peace and love.
Ali
That’s the truth Ali. Happy New Year 💞May it be filled with love and abundance.